History of Diamonds

Information about the History of DiamondsDiscover some fascinating information about Diamonds.

Facts and Information about the History of Diamonds

Diamonds and the Romans

History of Diamonds

History of Diamonds

Facts and History of DiamondsAmongst the many precious crystallised stones diamonds stand pre-eminent for their beauty, brilliancy and strength. Diamonds are the hardest stone known, hence the name of Adamas, meaning "the Indomitable," which was given to them by their ancient discoverers. Diamonds can cut every known substance although a diamond itself cannot be cut, nor be scratched, by other stones. Neither acids nor solvents any effect upon them. When found, the diamond is covered with a thick crust, so hard that there is no substance known that will remove it but that of itself, and it is only by grinding and polishing with diamond dust and minute diamonds that it is shaped and its wonderful brilliancy developed.

History of Diamonds - The RomansThe Romans regarded diamonds with much reverence, fastening it upon the left arm so that the gem should touch the flesh, believing it powerful in making its wearer brave and daring, giving him the victory over his enemies; and when set in fine steel, was considered a charm against insanity.

History of Diamonds - The Middle AgesIn the Middle Ages the diamond was thought to protect its wearer from the plague, and for this reason Queen Elizabeth I of England was given a diamond to guard her against infection, which she is said to have worn in her breast.

History Timeline

History of Diamonds Timeline

800 BC

Diamonds discovered in India

327 BC

Alexander the Great brings the first diamonds to Europe from India.

296 BC

Sanskrit manuscript called the 'Arthasastra', or 'the Lesson of Profit' makes written reference

1150's

The Briolette of India, a legendary diamond weighing 90.38 carats, was believed to have been brought to England by Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine

1375

The Point Cut was developed which follows the natural shape of a raw diamond, reducing wastage in the diamond cutting process.

1382

A circlet crown was purchased for Queen Anne of Bohemia which was set with a large sapphire, four large pearls and a large diamond in the centre

History Timeline

History of Diamonds - 1400's & 1500's

1407

The earliest European records of the history and art of cutting diamonds originate in Paris where there was a flourishing guild of numerous diamond cutters.

1423

The Chief Justice of England , Sir William Hankford, gave his great-granddaughter a baptismal gift of a gilt cup and a diamond ring

History of Diamonds - The History of the Regent DiamondNapoleon Bonaparte also attached great value to the qualities of diamonds and wore the famous Regent diamond in the hilt of his sword. The history of Regent diamond is very curious. In its natural state it weighed 410 carats, but after its cutting, which took two years to complete, it was reduced to 137 carats and was the size of a large plum. The diamond was perfectly white and flawless. The 'Regent' diamond was found at the Parteal mine in India, by a slave who hid it by making a gash in the calf of his leg and then hiding the stone in the bandage until he could escape to Madras. The slave was helped by a sailor but when a purchaser was found for the diamond the slave was thrown overboard by the sailor. The seaman then sold the diamond to a dealer named Jamchund for £1000, which he quickly spent, afterwards legend has it that he hung himself. The diamond was next purchased by Thomas Pitt, grandfather to the Earl of Chatham, who purchased it after much bargaining for £20,400. But the diamond brought him no happiness. He was so frightened of losing it that it is said that he never slept twice at the same house whilst the diamond was in his possession. About the year 1717, having offered the gem to several sovereigns, the Regent of France was persuaded that his country should possess the most beautiful and perfect diamond known so the diamond was bought for £135,000 and from that time known as the Regent diamond. The diamond was stolen from the public treasury during the turbulent times of the French Revolution. Twelve years later it was recovered and hen set in the Imperial diadem of France.

History of DiamondsGreat importance was attached by the Hindus of India to the original shape of a diamond. They believed that a triangular stone being thought to cause quarrels, a square diamond terrors but a six-cornered stone was thought to bring the best of good fortune and to renew the strength in old age.

For a comprehensive and impartial guide to buying diamonds we highly recommend:

Birthstones & Jewelry InsuranceYour home insurance policy may not fully cover you for birthstone jewelry insurance, engagement ring insurance or wedding ring insurance. Your home insurance policy probably covers jewelry theft, but not loss that occurs for other reasons. A typical home insurance policy will only usually pay a maximum of $1,000 for jewelry theft. Obtain a Jewelry Insurance quote from the Chubb group of jewelry insurance.